Surfshark
With so much personal information shared online daily, keeping it safe and secure is crucial. At Surfshark, we believe that what’s yours should stay yours. That’s why we’ve participated in RightsCon in Taipei, Taiwan, where we spoke about the importance of digital rights and uncensored access to information. Want to learn more about it? Then keep on reading!
What is RightsCon?
RightsCon is a global conference that offers a platform for thousands of participants worldwide to convene, connect, and shape human rights in the digital age. For the last 13 years, RightsCon has been held in San José, Tunis, Toronto, Brussels, Rio de Janeiro, Manila, and San Francisco. It has grown and covered more topics to keep up with the movement’s changing needs.
“RightsCon is unique for two core reasons. First, it’s a community-driven event in every sense. The entire program is built through an open call for proposals, welcoming ideas from anyone, anywhere. This means the topics, sessions, and speakers are shaped directly by the people who participate.
The same diverse, multistakeholder community that shapes our program is the second defining feature of RightsCon. It is one of the few civil-society owned spaces where we have a seat at the table with the private sector, governments, funders, technologists, media, and academia.” — Nikki Gladstone, RightsCon Director.
How did we participate?
At our booth, we welcomed more than three thousand people with whom we discussed the importance of cybersecurity and privacy online, the benefits of VPNs, and how a private and secure connection is crucial nowadays.
Our team was on hand to answer questions and engage with attendees about the importance of safeguarding personal information in today’s digital landscape. We introduced the technical capabilities of our products and shared common values with participants, such as the right to information, the right to privacy, and the importance of encryption.
“We started RightsCon in 2011 to bring the human rights agenda to the private sector, so engagement from companies like Surfshark is core to our mission. When companies are willing to show up, share information, and genuinely engage with participants, whether it’s through organizing a session, hosting a booth in the Community Village, or speaking, we’re able to move closer to a rights-respecting technological future.” — Nikki Gladstone, RightsCon Director.
We participated in a panel discussion
In addition to our booth, our Research & Communications Lead Patricija Cerniauskaite participated in a panel discussion Democratic election disruption through internet censorship and the role of VPNs in upholding electoral integrity alongside other industry experts: Bridget Andere, Senior Policy Analyst at Access Now; Sadaf Khan, Co-Founder of Media Matters for Democracy; Aljosa Ajanovic, Policy Advisor, European Digital Rights; and Felicia Anthonio, Access Now #KeepItOn Campaign Manager.
During this session, the speakers explored the critical role of privacy and cybersecurity in protecting digital rights. They shared insights on current challenges and discussed strategies for empowering individuals to take control of their online security.
All speakers analyzed internet shutdowns during elections from their own unique angles. Sadaf delved into the recent history of such events in Pakistan and their impact on media freedom. Patricija highlighted how tools like VPNs can help bypass authoritarian internet restrictions. Aljosa examined how shutdowns affect freedom of expression, emphasizing our role in defending digital rights globally during elections. And, by sharing Election Watch insights, Felicia provided a comprehensive view of the challenges faced during elections.
Our Emergency VPN program
At the event, we also presented our Emergency VPN program for journalists, NGO representatives, and activists dealing with digital rights and working in extreme internet censorship. Over the last year alone, we distributed over 300 Emergency VPN accounts to those in need.
This initiative aligns with our strive for a world where individuals have complete control over their digital presence — a world free from censorship, surveillance, and threats to personal safety for expressing thoughts online.
Our Emergency VPN helps these activists stay safe and maintain the privacy of their information, ensuring they can continue their important work without fear of digital interference.
Supporting digital rights and NGOs
Participating in global digital rights conferences is only a part of what we do to advocate for digital rights. At Surfshark, we work closely with non-governmental organizations, such as Open Rights Group and Access Now, to defend the rights of at-risk users. In addition, we support the efforts of organizations that advocate for digital freedom, like EDRi, which promotes online safety laws and the advancement of digital rights. Find more of our social responsibility initiatives here.
